Police say New London man flees accident, scuffles with police

Waterford - A 45-year-old New London man is facing a host of motor vehicle and criminal charges after police said he fled the scene of a crash Tuesday night and later scuffled with police.

At 10:41 p.m., Waterford police said they responded to Vauxhall Street Extension, in the area of Hickory Lane, for reports of an accident. Police said they determined a vehicle driven by Jose Ayala of 67 Hawthorne Drive in New London had traveled off the road and struck several mailboxes. Ayala fled the scene of the accident but was located a short time later, where police said he was uncooperative. He also was found to be in possession of several knives and a controlled substance, police said.

Police charged Ayala with weapons in a motor vehicle, interfering with an officer, possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license or registration, reckless driving, evading responsibility, driving unreasonably fast for conditions, failure to grant the right of way, failure to carry insurance and failure to register a vehicle eligible for commercial registration.

Ayala was held overnight and was slated to appear Wednesday in New London Superior Court, where he has several pending criminal cases. Further court information was not immediately available.